There were many decisions that made the sequel trilogy divisive among the fanbase. Not the least was the decision by the filmmakers to make the lead character of Rey the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine, revealed in the Rise of Skywalker.
There was an idea floated by the fanbase and writer and director JJ Abrams (the Force Awakens and the Rise of Skywalker). That was to have Rey be related to the Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi. In my opinion, that would have been a smarter choice and one that may have added to the Rise of Skywalker.
The connection between Rey and Kylo Ren would have been stronger.
The connection in the prequels and series, the Clone Wars, to Anakin and Obi-Wan was one of the best parts of that era. It made it equally as sad as it fell a part due to Anakin's turn to the dark side. Having the grandchildren of both fighting for supremacy of the galaxy would have had more of a connection to the original six films.
When the two join forces against Palpatine in the final film it is stunning visually but does not pack as much of a punch if the two were decedents of rivals in the force would be coming together against the ultimate darkness.
Rey could have been scavenger to royalty.
Obi-Wan's love interest in the Clone Wars series was Satine Kryze who was the Duchess of Mandalore. Meaning that Rey would have been from royalty. It would have been able to explain her deeper connection to Leia (also a Princess) and been a great concluded ark as she goes from scavenger to princess.
It also would have linked the sequel trilogy to the Mandalorian series as Satine was the ruler of the titular character's planet explored in depth on the series.
Palpatine's role would have been explained and had more meaning.
"Somehow, Palpatine returned," said Poe Dameron in the film. What if he hadn't? What if instead the spirit of Palpatine was attempting to turn Kylo Ren and lead him to the future of the First Order and the former empire.
If they would have had the force ghost of Palpatine attempt to manipulate both Kylo and Rey it may have given their confilct more meaning. It also would have the spirit and the voices at the end of the film to assist Rey as an emotional moment.
Every Jedi whoever lived could have lived in Rey and should they be all joining together with the force to fight their ultimate rival in the force. The spiritual aspect of the franchise can be just as powerful.
No one will ever know if Rian Johnson had taken more of JJ Abrams notes, would we have seen Rey Kenobi? We also don't need if the fanbase or critics would have received the Rise of Skywalker better if this change had been made. But, as fans it is always fun to speculate about what could have been in the galaxy far, far away.
Moving forward, rumor has it that Rey, and potentially Dameron and Finn, could return in a completely new Star Wars era.